Oxidation of catechols during positive ion electrospray mass spectrometric analysis: Evidence for <i>in‐source</i> oxidative dimerization

Abstract

The present work demonstrates the potential of positive ion ESI for oxidizing electroactive compounds during regular analytical operation using commercially available mass spectrometers. Using Cat and some of its chlorinated analogues as probe compounds, we have demonstrated that under the conditions used in many analytical laboratories in-source oxidation and dimerization can and does take place.